HX Pharma IPO: Comprehensive Investor Analysis – October 2025
HX Pharma
Date of Prospectus: October 9, 2025
Bold Bet on Future Growth: HX Pharma’s Landmark Hong Kong IPO Targets R&D, Innovation, and Market Expansion
IPO Snapshot: Key Terms and Offering Structure
HX Pharma, a commercial-stage pharmaceutical innovator, is launching its Hong Kong IPO with bold growth ambitions, a diversified product pipeline, and major investment in research and development.
- IPO Symbol: 2637 (Main Board, Hong Kong Stock Exchange)
- Offer Price Range: HK\$69.88 – HK\$86.40 per H Share
- Number of Shares Offered: 11,500,000 H Shares (Global Offering)
- Post-IPO Shares Outstanding: 78,707,270 H Shares
- Expected Market Capitalization: HK\$5.50 billion – HK\$6.80 billion
- Expected Net Proceeds: Approximately HK\$848.0 million (mid-point price)
- Offer Period: October 9–14, 2025 (Application deadline: October 14, 2025, 12:00 noon)
- Listing Date: October 17, 2025 (Trading begins 9:00 a.m. Hong Kong time)
Use of Proceeds: Fuelling Innovation and Market Expansion
HX Pharma’s IPO proceeds are earmarked for aggressive growth and R&D leadership:
- Continuous R&D investment: HK\$441.0 million (52%)
- R&D capacity building and strategic collaborations: HK\$195.0 million (23%)
- Commercialization and market expansion: HK\$67.8 million (8%)
- Optimization of R&D and manufacturing systems: HK\$59.4 million (7%)
- Working capital and general corporate purposes: HK\$84.8 million (10%)
This allocation signals a growth-driven strategy focused on expanding product pipelines, accelerating commercialization, and strengthening operational infrastructure [[36]][[448]].
Placement Breakdown and Cornerstone Commitment
- Hong Kong Public Offering: 1,150,000 H Shares (10% of total offering, subject to reallocation)
- International Offering: 10,350,000 H Shares (90% of total offering)
- Cornerstone Investor: Harvest Oriental (HARVEST INTERNATIONAL PREMIUM VALUE (SECONDARY MARKET) FUND SPC, acting for HARVEST ORIENTAL SP)
- Cornerstone Investment Size: US\$22 million (HK\$ equivalent), securing up to 21.31% of the Offer Shares (depending on final price), with a 6-month lock-up period
- Pre-IPO Investors: Eight institutional investors, collectively holding 32.01% post-IPO, subject to a one-year lock-up
Tranche |
Shares Offered |
% of Total Offering |
Lock-up Period |
Hong Kong Public |
1,150,000 |
10% |
None |
International |
10,350,000 |
90% |
None |
Cornerstone (Harvest Oriental) |
Up to 2,450,200 |
21.31% |
6 Months |
Pre-IPO Investors |
~25,000,000 (est.) |
32.01% (post-IPO) |
1 Year |
Investor Participation and Book Quality
Cornerstone and pre-IPO support is robust:
- Harvest Oriental’s US\$22 million commitment secures a significant portion of the offering, signaling institutional confidence in HX Pharma’s prospects.
- Eight pre-IPO institutional investors (including Zhanhongda Investment, Jindonghong Capital, and Hongrang Investment) collectively holding 32.01% post-IPO, with all special rights terminated and lock-ups in place [[30]][[223]].
These allocations and lock-ups may restrict short-term liquidity, but book quality suggests strong demand and potential price stability at listing, given the notable anchor investment and tight institutional participation.
Deal Parties, Underwriting, and Structure
- Joint Overall Coordinators: Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, CMB International Capital Limited, SDICS International Securities (Hong Kong) Limited
- Joint Bookrunners and Lead Managers: Same as above
- Joint Sponsors: Huatai Financial Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, CMB International Capital Limited, SDICS International Securities (Hong Kong) Limited
- Underwriting: Conditional on Offer Price agreement; includes Hong Kong and International Underwriting Agreements
- Listing Expenses: HK\$50.6 million (5.6% of gross proceeds at mid-point price)
Stabilization and Over-allotment: The overall coordinators may reallocate shares between tranches based on demand, with up to 15% reallocation allowed for the Hong Kong Public Offering in case of oversubscription [[466]][[467]].
Reputation and Roles: The presence of multiple leading investment banks and a blue-chip cornerstone investor positions the IPO for a supported listing-day performance.
Company Overview: Business Model, Portfolio, and Market Position
HX Pharma operates as a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company integrating R&D, production, and sales. Its diversified product portfolio and pipeline targets the largest and fastest-growing therapeutic areas in China, including:
- Digestive system diseases
- Cardiovascular system diseases
- Endocrine system diseases
- Nervous system diseases
- Inflammatory diseases
As of the latest date, its commercialized portfolio consists primarily of generic drugs, while the innovative pipeline includes candidates for oncology, among other indications [[11]].
Industry Size: These therapeutic areas accounted for over 25% of China’s pharmaceutical sales in 2023.
Financial Health: Multi-period Performance
Metric |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
May 31, 2025 |
Net Profit Margin |
32.5% |
37.1% |
29.2% |
36.2% |
Gross Profit Margin |
81.0% |
83.3% |
83.0% |
84.0% |
Current Ratio |
3.9 |
2.9 |
1.9 |
2.3 |
Return on Equity |
39.5% |
33.9% |
28.8% |
15.4% |
Key Takeaways: HX Pharma demonstrates strong profitability, high gross margins, and healthy liquidity, indicating solid financial health and operational efficiency [[34]].
Market Position and Competitive Strength
- Competitive Advantage: Diversified pipeline across high-growth therapeutic areas
- Market Share: Therapeutic areas represent over 25% of China’s pharma market
- Brand and Innovation: Strong focus on R&D and product innovation
Management Team: Key leaders include Dr. Kang (executive director, deputy GM), Ms. Feng Yan (executive director), with deep sector experience. Full details available in the company’s disclosures [[46]].
Industry Trends, IPO Timing, and Market Environment
Sector Trends: China’s pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding, driven by sustained demand in chronic and complex diseases. Innovative and generic drugs remain major growth drivers.
IPO Timing:
- Offer Opens: October 9, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
- Offer Closes: October 14, 2025, 12:00 noon
- Listing Date: October 17, 2025
Market Environment: The prospectus highlights a stable macro outlook and favorable regulatory support for pharmaceutical listings, with no material adverse changes since May 31, 2025 [[442]].
Recent Developments: HX Pharma completed CSRC filings under the new regime, successfully converted Unlisted Shares to H Shares, and secured cornerstone support [[126]].
Conclusion on Market Conditions: The timing aligns with sector momentum and robust institutional interest, signaling a constructive environment for the IPO.
Risk Factors: Quantified Exposures and Mitigations
Key Risks Identified:
- Regulatory risk: Potential penalties or restrictions from PRC authorities may impact operations or repatriation of proceeds [[116]].
- Market risk: No guarantee of an active trading market; liquidity may be restricted due to cornerstone and pre-IPO lock-ups [[117]].
- Financial risk: No dividends declared to date; future payouts not assured [[35]].
- Operational risk: Reliance on major partners, suppliers, and customers; competitive threats persist [[61]].
- Lock-up risk: Pre-IPO investors and cornerstone allocation restrict free float, potentially impacting trading volume [[229]].
- Bookbuilding risk: Offer price may be reduced if demand falls short; reallocation mechanisms in place but may affect pricing [[470]].
Growth Strategy: Expansion, Innovation, and Partnerships
- Continuous R&D investment to advance drug candidates and enrich product portfolio
- Expand R&D capacities and pursue collaboration opportunities (HK\$195 million earmarked)
- Enhance commercialization and expand market presence (HK\$67.8 million)
- Optimize manufacturing systems and operational infrastructure
- Strategic use of proceeds for working capital and proactive market entry
Pre-IPO proceeds were fully utilized for business expansion, R&D, and working capital [[223]].
Ownership Structure and Lock-ups: Institutional Commitment and Float
- Pre-IPO Investors: 32.01% post-IPO holding, subject to one-year lock-up
- Cornerstone Investor: Up to 21.31% of Offer Shares, six-month lock-up
- Public Float: 26.72% (exceeds HKSE minimum requirements)
- Promoter and shareholder lock-in: Six months for controlling shareholders, additional six months if control would be lost [[456]]
Valuation Benchmarks
- Market Capitalization: HK\$5.50 – HK\$6.80 billion
- Pro Forma Net Tangible Asset per Share: HK\$18.53 – HK\$20.87 (post-IPO, based on offer price range)
- No formal dividend policy or payout ratio; future dividends are at Board discretion [[35]].
Listing Outlook: Value Proposition and Trading Prospects
Based strictly on disclosed data, HX Pharma’s IPO appears worth subscribing for investors seeking exposure to China’s high-growth pharmaceutical sector, innovation, and R&D leadership.
- Cornerstone and institutional investor support signals confidence and may stabilize first-day trading.
- Financial metrics (high margins, solid ROE, strong cash flows) point to operational robustness.
- Lock-ups may restrict short-term liquidity but could support price stability.
- Offer Price Range: First-day trading is likely to be strong, with the price expected to remain at or above the offer price, given the quality of the book and anchor commitments. A trading range of HK\$70–HK\$86 per share is reasonable based on disclosed subscription and allocation mechanisms.
Prospectus Access
The official prospectus and related documents are available at: www.hkexnews.hk and https://hxpharma.com
How to Apply for HX Pharma IPO Shares
- Application Channels: Online via HK eIPO White Form (www.hkeipo.hk), or through HKSCC EIPO channel via brokers/custodians participating in the HKSCC FINI system
- Application Window: October 9–14, 2025
- Eligibility: Applicants must be 18+, have a Hong Kong address (for White Form), and not be existing shareholders or close associates of directors/supervisors
No physical application channels are provided; the process is fully electronic.